Chapter 6

Ekyam – Realizing Oneness

In the heart of our collective journey (Swavlamban) lies “Ekyam”—a concept that binds individuals, communities, and their shared aspirations into a harmonious whole. Ekyam, meaning “oneness”, is not merely an idea; it is a movement, a platform, and a vision for shared prosperity and belonging. It is the realization that when people come together, combining their strengths and addressing each other’s weaknesses, they unlock a collective power that transcends individual effort.

Ekyam as a Concept and Platform

Ekyam envisions a global community of collectives—like-minded groups that celebrate the diversity of their members while fostering a shared purpose. Each individual contributes their abundance, a unique resource or skill they possess in plenty, to benefit society at large. This abundance could be knowledge, creativity, kindness, time, or material resources—anything one feels will not diminish even when shared.

Central to Ekyam is the interplay of Abundance (what one has to offer) and Wish (what one seeks). This dynamic fuels exchanges of resources, skills, ideas, and services across collectives, fostering interdependence. The areas of focus include:

• Knowledge and Learning: Sharing expertise to uplift others.
• Sustainable Living: Promoting practices that ensure harmony with nature.
• Health and Well-being: Nurturing physical and mental health collectively.
• Art and Culture: Preserving and evolving the cultural fabric through shared creativity.

The Ripple Effect: Connecting Ekyam with past chapters

Ekyam is deeply rooted in the principles explored in our earlier chapters, which serve as building blocks for this vision of oneness:

• Abundance as a State of Mind: In Chapter 1, we explored migration and the quiet resilience of women left behind. It highlighted the abundance of strength, skills, and resources already present within communities, waiting to be realized. Chapter 2 elaborated on this with the role of the Vaani, who mobilizes individuals to uncover and embrace their unique abundances, empowering them to contribute to collective well-being.
• Interdependence: Chapter 3 introduced the Mitra and Dhavak, demonstrating how communities thrive through mutual support. By connecting resources, managing logistics, and facilitating access to markets, these roles exemplify the interdependence needed for a sustainable ecosystem.
• Partnerships for Collective Growth: In Chapter 4, the story of Amayra showcased how shared risks, individual skills, and specialization transform micro-enterprises into powerful agents of change. Partnerships like these underscore the potential of collective effort to elevate entire communities.
• Sharing Abundance: Chapter 5 brought the Swavalamban Samiti into focus, illustrating how individuals and communities can share their abundance—whether land, skills, or resources—for the collective growth of all. The concept of a community chest exemplifies how pooling shared resources can sustain and expand self-reliance.

Each of these narratives feeds into the essence of Ekyam—oneness achieved through abundance, interdependence, partnerships, and the selfless sharing of resources for collective prosperity.

Happiness Café: Spaces for Collaboration and Joy

The idea of Ekyam extends into physical spaces like the Happiness Café, a modern-day

community centre where conversations on Swavalamban and Ekyam flourish.

Take the example of Besseria Happiness Café in the Sonitpur district of Assam. Since its inception in December 2023, this vibrant space has become a hub for cultural exchange and collaboration. From traditional dance performances and art competitions to storytelling and rehearsals for music, it is a testament to the joy of coming together.

The café also fosters global connections, such as its online interactions with collectives in the Netherlands, enabling the exchange of ideas about sustainable living and community development. These shared experiences highlight the transformative potential of interconnected communities.

A Vision for Shared Prosperity

Ekyam’s ultimate goal is a happy planet—a world where interconnected collectives exchange abundances and wishes, fostering shared prosperity and sustainable happiness. It calls on us to realize the oneness within ourselves and extend it outward, creating a network that benefits all.

Let us embrace Ekyam and take another step toward building thriving communities, interconnected globally yet rooted locally. As we do, we remember that every act of sharing brings us closer to realizing the joy of oneness.

Together, we thrive. Together, we rise. Together, we are Ekyam…